
Articles
Seattle Paid Sick Leave Update and FAQ
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
As most Seattle employers know by now, beginning September 1, 2012, the City of Seattle will require that all but the smallest employers provide paid sick leave to their Seattle employees. Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) mandates that most employers provide paid leave, which increases depending on the size of a company’s workforce.
Tips for Managing Employment Practices Liability in Hospitality Industry
Monday, August 20, 2012
One of the fastest growing areas of litigation for businesses of all sizes is employment practices, with a 32% increase in charges since 20051. These allegations include Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Wrongful Termination, Wrongful Discipline, Negligent Evaluation, Failure to Employ or Promote, Hostile Work Environment, Breach of Employment Contract, and Deprivation of Career Opportunity.
Washington Workers’ Comp: Rate Increase Coming to Rebuild the Contingency Reserve
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The State of Washington, which administers the Workers’ Compensation system for the state, has a financial problem because revenues have been too low to fund workers’ comp expenses.
OCR HIPAA Audits
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
On June 10, 2011, KPMG was awarded a $9.2 million contract by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop HIPAA audit protocols and then conduct audits based on those protocols of HIPAA Covered Entities and Business Associates. Almost immediately the speculation started on what would be audited and what documents might be requested as part of the HIPAA audit.
How Employers Should Handle MLR Rebates
Friday, July 20, 2012
As August 1st approaches, employers that sponsor an insured group health plan may be receiving a Medical Loss Ratio (“MLR”) rebate from their insurers. Self-funded medical benefit plans are not subject to these requirements.
ACA Ruling: Impact on Employer-Sponsored Health Plans
Monday, July 9, 2012
On Thursday, June 28th the Supreme Court issued its much anticipated decision on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In a split 5-4 decision, the court ruled the so-called “ individual mandate” contained in the ACA constitutional.
The Supreme Court Rules the Affordable Care Act is Constitutional
Thursday, June 28, 2012
In what may be the most anticipated decision in at least a generation, the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the so called “individual mandate” contained in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In a split 5-4 decision, the court has ruled that it is constitutional for the government to require individuals to maintain health insurance or pay a tax if they fail to do so.
Preparing for the Supreme Court Decision on the Affordable Care Act
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Supreme Court is expected to issue its decisions on questions related to The Affordable Care Act (ACA) by the end of June. It would not be an exaggeration to say that millions of words have already been written regarding the Supreme Court’s review of the ACA.
Estimated Cost Impact of the ACA Reinsurance Fee on Employer Plans
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released final regulations regarding the transitional reinsurance program that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires each state to establish beginning in 2014. The transitional reinsurance program is intended to help stabilize premiums in the individual market during the first three years that the state-based exchanges are in effect (2014 – 2016).
New Guidance on $2500 Health FSA Limit
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
The IRS has released Notice 2012-40 which provides welcome guidance to employers regarding the $2500 limit on Health FSA (HFSA) pre-tax contributions imposed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Most significantly, Notice 2012-40 clarifies that the $2500 limit only applies to HFSA plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
Documentation Risks in Electronic Medical Records
Monday, May 14, 2012
Many organizations are rushing to get Electronic Medical Records (EMR) programs implemented or enhanced in order to take advantage of the monetary incentives currently being offered for participation in the “Meaningful Use” program. While one of the goals of electronic documentation is to improve the quality of the patient visit, certain practices could actually do more harm than good.
IRS releases 2013 HSA limits
Monday, May 14, 2012
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the HSA limits for the calendar year 2013. Revenue Procedure 2012-26 details the maximum contribution and the deductible and out-of-pocket limits.
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